What are the six major carotenoids?

Recently, the beneficial effects of carotenoid‐rich vegetables and fruits in health and in decreasing the risk of certain diseases has been attributed to the major carotenoids, β‐carotene, lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin, crocin (/crocetin) and curcumin, due to their antioxidant effects.

Are carotenoids classified as vitamins?

Carotenoids function in plants and in photosynthetic bacteria as accessory pigments in photosynthesis and protect against photosensitization in animals, plants, and bacteria. In humans, the only known function of carotenoids is vitamin A activity (provitamin A carotenoids only).

What are some characteristics of carotenoids?

The most characteristic feature of carotenoids is the long series of conjugated double bonds forming the central part of the molecule. This gives them their shape, chemical reactivity, and light-absorbing properties. There are two main groups of carotenoids, the carotenes and the xanthophylls.

What is the family of carotenoids?

Carotenoids are classified into two groups, namely xanthophylls and carotenes, according to their chemical constituents [32]. Oxygenated derivatives are known as xanthophylls; while hydrocarbon only carotenoids (lycopene, β-carotene, and α-carotene) are called carotenes.

How many types of carotenoids are there?

There are more than 600 different types of carotenoids. Some can be converted into vitamin A when released into the body.

What is the importance of carotenoids?

Carotenoids are lipid-soluble pigments that give fruits and vegetables their color. They have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that are important in eye health in protecting retinal tissue from blue shortwave light damage.

What is the structure of carotenoids?

Most carotenoids consist of eight isoprene units with a 40-carbon skeleton. Their general structures commonly consist of a polyene chain with nine conjugated double bonds and an end group at both ends of the polyene chain. The structures of the polyene chain and end groups of carotenoids are shown in Fig.

What is the definition of carotenoid in biology?

Abstract. Carotenoids are pigments found in plants and microorganisms, but not synthesized in animals. Fewer than 10% of the carotenoids can function as vitamin A precursors in mammals. Carotenoids and retinoids have chemical and metabolic similarities and differences, and some overlap in biological activities.

Is beta-carotene A vitamin or mineral?

That means beta-carotene is considered a safe source of vitamin A. However, too much beta-carotene can be dangerous for people who smoke. (Getting high amounts of either vitamin A or beta-carotene from food, not from supplements, is safe.) Beta-carotene is an antioxidant.

Is beta-carotene the same as vitamin A?

Beta-carotene (β-carotene) is a precursor to vitamin A, an essential vitamin at any age, including for cellular health and vision. It is also a powerful antioxidant that may reduce the risk of cancer. Beta-carotene is a precursor to vitamin A. It turns into vitamin A according to the body’s needs.

What are antioxidants in vitamins?

Antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E and carotenoids, may help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Other naturally occurring antioxidants include flavonoids, tannins, phenols and lignans. Plant-based foods are the best sources.

Which carotenoid has the highest vitamin A activity?

  • beta-carotene (highest vitamin A activity)
  • alpha-carotene.
  • beta-cryptoxanthin.

What color is carotene?

Carotenes can be found in many dark green and yellow leafy vegetables and appear as fat soluble pigments, while β-carotene can be found in yellow, orange and red colored fruits and vegetables [44].

What is the color of carotene?

yellow to orange
Carotenes (E160a) are a class of yellow to orange pigments that are naturally oil soluble and require emulsification to provide water-dispersible colors.

What is the difference between vitamin A and carotenoids?

Preformed vitamin A comes from animal products, fortified foods, and vitamin supplements. Carotenoids are found naturally in plant foods. There are other types of carotenoids found in food that are not converted to vitamin A but have health-promoting properties; these include lycopene, lutein, and zeaxanthin.

What colour is Xanthophyll?

Xanthophylls are yellow pigments that are one of the important divisions of the carotenoid group. The word xanthophylls is made up of the Greek word xanthos, meaning yellow, and phyllon, meaning leaf.

What is the difference between carotene and carotenoids?

A carotene refers to an orange or red plant pigment found in carrots and many other plant structures while carotenoid refers to any of a class of mainly yellow, orange, or red fat-soluble pigments, which give color to plant parts such as ripe tomatoes and autumn leaves.